[Eff-1]

Originally Posted by 68style

Nobody makes mistakes like this in business this big... you can't tell me this stuff isn't being done for the sake of theatre

Funny enough this same exact scenario is happening in the USA right now with Indycar and Alex Palou who said he signed a deal with Zak Brown to be part of the McLaren family next year, possibly F1 or something else. Chip Ganassi was like no way, we have him under contract already.

On 12 July, Chip Ganassi Racing put out a press release stating that it had taken up its option on Palou’s services for 2023, the driver having signed a two-year-plus-one-year-option contract towards the end of his rookie season with Dale Coyne Racing.

The statement contained a quote from team owner Chip Ganassi, stating: “Alex’s track record speaks for itself. He’s a proven champion and one of the most formidable drivers in the world. We are very excited to continue working together.”

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect was that this same press release included a quote from Palou himself. This read: “It’s a great feeling knowing I’ll be back with Chip Ganassi Racing next season.

“The team welcomed me with open arms from Day 1, and I’m excited to continue working with Chip, [CGR managing director] Mike Hull, the folks on the #10 NTT DATA Honda and everyone within the organisation. The goals remain the same and we will continue to work relentlessly towards achieving them.”

Why would a driver who had just signed a McLaren contract say that? Turns out, according to Palou, he didn’t.

Some hours later he tweeted: “I have recently learned from the media that this afternoon, without my approval, Chip Ganassi Racing issued a press release announcing that I would be driving with CGR in 2023. Even more surprising was that CGR’s release included a “quote” which did not come from me.

“I did not approve that press release, and I did not author or approve that quote. As I have recently informed CGR, for personal reasons, I do not intend to continue with the team after 2022. This evening’s unfortunate events aside, I have great respect for the CGR team, and look forward to finishing this season strongly together."